A new £10,000 classroom has been unveiled at Weston Park on the Shropshire/Staffordshire border as part of plans to grow the venue’s outdoor education programme for schools.
The new building in the stately home’s restored Walled Garden has been named the Orchard Hive and funded by long-time Weston Park Foundation supporter Wolverhampton-based PIA Wealth Management.
It will provide a learning space for visiting school pupils to discover, learn, create and engage with nature as part of the estate’s growing education programme, which is delivered on site by education specialist Educating Kids Outdoors (EKO).
Christina Kenyon-Slaney, chair of trustees for Weston Park said: “The trustees of the Weston Park Foundation are immensely grateful to PIA for its generous charitable donation towards the fit out of the Hive. One of the core objectives of the foundation is to provide education, both indoors and outdoors, bringing to life all that Weston has to offer to diverse groups of children. The Hive classroom in the restored Walled Garden certainly enhances this offer, and we look forward to welcoming all the many school children who will join us there.”
Weston began working with PIA Wealth Management 14 years ago when it sponsored a series of ‘Discovery Workshops’ as part of the estate’s summer visitor programme. Since then, the partnership has gone from strength to strength and this latest £10,000 investment will enable EKO to expand its educational programme and support more schools to embed outdoor learning into their school development plans.
Mike Bandurak, director of PIA, said: “We are delighted to have had the opportunity to support Weston Park’s educational programme through the sponsorship of the new PIA Orchard Hive. It is truly rewarding to see this vision come to life within the estate’s historic walled garden, providing a space where children can engage with nature, expand their horizons and enjoy the wonders of outdoor learning.
“The Hive represents a tangible extension of our shared values, fostering curiosity, connection and growth in a unique and inspiring environment. We are very proud to support the work of the Weston Park Foundation; seeing the incredible impact that EKO and Weston Park have on children and schools inspires us to remain committed to initiatives that prioritise education, community and innovation.”
Natasha Branston, founder of Educating Kids Outdoors, added: “The PIA Orchard Hive is a wonderful new facility that enables us to expand our delivery of educational visits to Weston and we are very grateful for PIA’s continued commitment and support.”
CAPTION: The opening ceremony outside the new PIA Orchard Hive.
